Vietnam, Australia vow to deepen comprehensive strategic partnership

At a meeting in Hanoi, Party General Secretary To Lam said Vietnam always values its friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia, describing the country as a ‘trusted partner.’

The Party chief urged closer cooperation in education, science, and technology, especially in developing skilled labor and fostering exchanges among young scientists and entrepreneurs.

He stressed that Australia’s strengths in scientific research and Vietnam’s focus on innovation and digital transformation create strong potential for collaboration.

Later in the day, during his meeting with Governor-General Mostyn, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed joint efforts to raise bilateral trade to US$20 billion and double two-way investment within 2-3 years.

PM Chinh called for expanded cooperation in critical minerals, rare earths, and renewable energy.

He asked for Australia’s support in building Vietnam’s national population database and data centers, as well as in providing training to improve the capacity of Vietnamese officials and public servants.

The prime minister also encouraged Australian universities like RMIT to expand their campuses in Vietnam and requested support for the Vietnamese community of over 300,000 people in Australia.

Governor-General Mostyn highlighted Australia’s interest in boosting investment through her country’s trade offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

She also agreed to bolster cooperation on cybersecurity and expressed support for Vietnam as host of the signing ceremony for the UN Convention against Cybercrime in October this year.

In her role as commander-in-chief of the Australian Defense Force, she also voiced commitment to deepening defense ties between the two countries to contribute to peacekeeping efforts, emphasizing that Vietnam is one of Australia’s most important partners in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

At another same-day meeting between Governor-General Mostyn and Chairman of Vietnam’s law-making National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, the top legislator suggested that Australia expand cooperation in green and digital economies, science-technology, renewable energy, and innovation.

Chairman Man called for more scholarships, training, and capacity-building support from Australia, while promoting closer inter-parliamentary cooperation at international forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum.

Governor-General Mostyn praised the Vietnamese community’s contributions to Australia’s socio-economic growth and bilateral ties.

She reaffirmed Australia’s support for education, gender equality, climate action in the Mekong Delta, and continued ODA and technical assistance for Vietnam’s development goals.